FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 5/2/2013 1:34pm et

Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone indicated QBs Kevin Kolb, Tarvaris Jackson and first-round pick EJ Manuel will split reps with the first-team offense once offseason workouts begin.

Huddle Up: Even though Manuel was the lone QB drafted in the first round, he remains somewhat of a project and isn't likely to open the season as the Bills' starter. That is, of course, unless Kolb is hurt and Jackson is ineffective/uninspiring, but what's the chance of those things happening?

Posted: 4/20/2013 2:01pm et

Buffalo Bills QB Kevin Kolb said the team's up-tempo offense will help the younger players because they will not have to think as much. "The best thing to me that tempo does," Kolb said, "is that it relaxes the mind of the players and they can just do what they've been doing their entire life. A big problem, especially for young players at this level, is they slow down because they're thinking too much. If you get them into a no-huddle, you get them into a quick style of offense, then they're just reading and reacting. When you're reading and reacting you're playing at your highest level and that's when you make a lot of great plays."

Huddle Up: Less thinking, more doing--your 2013 Buffalo Bills. Actually, Kolb has a point to some degree; the key will be the young players--or any Bill, for that matter--understanding the offense to the point that they know what they're doing and don't have to stop and think. If Doug Marrone's uptempo offense helps in that regard, that's good news for the Bills--and fantasy owners of C.J. Spiller and Stevie Johnson.

Posted: 4/9/2013 12:05pm et

Buffalo Bills QB Kevin Kolb said he believes he can help the team win a Super Bowl title. 'I'm here to win the Super Bowl. Period,' Kolb said. 'For me it was just straight, 'Hey, how can I go win, how can I go be successful.'' The Bills have the longest active postseason drought in the league at 13 consecutive seasons.

Huddle Up: Before getting into wins and playoff appearances -- let alone Super Bowls -- the first order of business for Kolb is to play in more than 9 games -- something he hasn't done in any of his 6 NFL seasons. In his 2 disappointing seasons in Arizona, Kolb started only 14 of a possible 32 games.

Posted: 3/31/2013 1:43pm et

The Oakland Raiders had discussed the possibility of signing free-agent QB Kevin Kolb.

Huddle Up: With Kolb landing a 2-year deal with the Bills on Saturday, the options just got a little slimmer for the Raiders, who might now be pursuing the rumored deal for Matt Flynn with more vigor.

Posted: 3/31/2013 12:21am et

The Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with free-agent QB Kevin Kolb to a two-year deal worth as much as $13 million.

Huddle Up: Kolb gives the Bills a veteran to compete with Tarvaris Jackson, though the signing doesn't mean they won't spend an early pick on a quarterback in the upcoming draft.

Posted: 3/29/2013 6:52pm et

The Buffalo Bills are showing interest in free-agent QB Kevin Kolb.

Huddle Up: Buffalo has QB issues that Tarvares Jackson isn't going to solve, and having a veteran like Kolb in the mix can only help. Also look for the Bills to go after a quarterback on draft day, perhaps Geno Smith or Matt Barkley in Round 1.

Posted: 3/13/2013 9:15pm et

The Arizona Cardinals signed QB Drew Stanton Wednesday, March 13, which casts even more doubt on the future of QB Kevin Kolb in Glendale. The team now has four quarterbacks under contract, and they owe Kolb a $2 million bonus if he is on the roster Saturday, March 16.

Huddle Up: Guess we'll know by St. Paddy's Day if the Cards are investing in Kolb for the long term or if he'll be looking for a job elsewhere.

Posted: 3/5/2013 12:59pm et

The Arizona Cardinals have not had talks with the agent for QB Kevin Kolb about restructuring his contract. Kolb is due a $9 million dollar roster bonus on Mar. 17, so it is expected those talks will begin soon.

Huddle Up: It's hard to imagine what could be holding up the proceedings. After all, we are talking about a QB who's never played more than 9 games in any of his 6 NFL seasons.

Posted: 2/12/2013 11:08pm et

Arizona Cardinals team president Michael Bidwell said the team is probably going to need to address QB Kevin Kolb's contract in the offseason. Kolb is scheduled to make $11 million in 2013, a number that many feel is high considering Kolb has not outright won the starting job. 'Kevin's contract is probably something we're going to need to address,' Bidwell said. 'It's a big number and given the productivity and the questions about durability and everything, that's something that I think the reality is we need to sit down and discuss.'

Huddle Up: The Cards aren't known for being big spenders, but it's clear to see that Kolb's contract far outpaces his production over the past 2 seasons, when he's been limited to 15 total games.

Posted: 2/5/2013 11:52pm et

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb is reportedly willing to restructure his deal with the team to possibly include performance bonuses.

Huddle Up: It may be time for a fresh start for Kolb as the Cards figure to add a big-name QB in the offseason, whether or not Kolb restructures his deal.

Posted: 1/1/2013 10:32pm et

According to a source, part of head-coaching candidate Andy Reid's pitch to the Arizona Cardinals will be the potential to 'fix (QB Kevin Kolb).' The team would like to keep Kolb if possible. The Cards will meet with Reid on Wednesday.

Huddle Up: Kolb, a 2007 second-round pick of the Eagles, started 7 games in 3 seasons under Reid in Philly, topping 300 yards in 3 of them and sparking interest from Arizona, where he was traded prior to the 2011 season. Kolb led the Cards to a 4-2 start this season, throwing 8 TDs and only 3 interceptions prior to getting injured. From there, Arizona staggered to a 1-9 finish under QBs John Skelton, Ryan Lindley and Brian Hoyer, who combined for 3 TD passes and 18 picks.

Posted: 12/10/2012 4:15pm et

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (ribs) is unlikely to return in Week 15. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt has yet to say who his starting quarterback will be against the Detroit Lions.

Huddle Up: More suffering for Cardinals fans and Larry Fitzgerald owners still grasping for salvation.

Posted: 12/5/2012 11:47pm et

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (ribs) has 'hit a wall' in his rehab, but he did not sound optimistic that he will be able to return soon.

Huddle Up: Time is running out fast for Kolb with the end of the fantasy and regular seasons now on the same calendar page. Meanwhile, the team will go back to John Skelton as the starter this week after an ugly 3-game run for rookie Ryan Lindley.

Posted: 11/20/2012 10:42pm et

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Tuesday, Nov. 20, that QB Kevin Kolb (ribs) continues to make progress. He recently returned to practice, although it's mostly been in limited form. 'I hope and I expect him to work back into practice sometime this week, but that's going to depend on how he handle it, physically,' Whisenhunt said. 'He's done a great job of working to get back.'

Huddle Up: Kolb can't get back soon enough for fantasy GMs who own Larry Fitzgerald or any other Cardinals wideout. It sounds though like it's still at least a week or two away.

Posted: 11/16/2012 6:32pm et

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (ribs) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 16, and has been ruled out for Week 11.

Huddle Up: John Skelton will make his fourth straight start Sunday, and is coming off a 306-yard, 1-TD outing in Week 9 before last week's bye.

Posted: 10/23/2012 11:58pm et

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (ribs, chest) said Tuesday, Oct. 23, that his current injury might be the worst he's suffered in his entire career. His ribs detached from his sternum and he sprained the sternoclavicular joint in his chest when he was injured in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills. 'From the collarbone down to my last rib that was all out of sync, so it hurt to sit up it hurt to breathe, it hurt to talk, it hurt to take a step,' Kolb said. There is no timetable for his return.

Huddle Up: There aren't a lot of medical degrees here among The Huddle staff, but this sounds like we've seen the last of Kolb on the field for a good while. In the meantime, it's do or die with QB John Skelton and the pourous offensive line when it comes to the Cards' fantasy fortunes in the passing game.

Posted: 10/16/2012 11:02pm et

Updating a previous report, Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (ribs, chest) is expected to miss six weeks or more due to his sternum and shoulder injuries suffered in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills.

Huddle Up: Tough news for the Cards and Kolb, who had been playing solidly despite the team's pass-protection problems. The re-insertion of Week 1 starter John Skelton shouldn't bring much -- if any -- of an offensive dropoff provided he doesn't get KO'd by the pass rush himself.

Posted: 10/16/2012 3:50pm et

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (ribs, chest) will miss several weeks after multiple ribs detached from his sternum in Week 6. He also suffered a sprained sternoclavicular joint in his chest area, according to a team source.

Huddle Up: Re-enter John Skelton, who opened the season as the Cards' starter only to go down with an ankle injury in Week 1. Still, it won't matter who the QB is if the Cards' offensive line can't protect the passer better with 22 sacks -- and an untold number of pressures and QB hits -- allowed over the past 3 games.

Posted: 10/14/2012 10:00pm et

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (ribs) left the Week 6 game against the Buffalo Bills late in the fourth quarter due to an injury to his ribs. QB John Skelton (ankle) came off the bench and led the team to a game-tying field goal in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime.

Huddle Up: It was only a matter of time for Kolb, who was sacked 5 times Sunday -- bringing his combined total over the team's past 3 games to 22. Kolb, who finished 14-of-26 for 128 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception, had X-rays after the game, but results weren't immediately available. Meanwhile, Skelton, playing for the first time since injuring his ankle in the season opener, was 2-for-10 for 45 yards and an interception which set up the Bills' game-winning OT field goal.

Posted: 10/11/2012 1:19pm et

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb said Wednesday, Oct. 10, that he is ready to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 6 after a beating last Thursday, Oct. 4, against the St. Louis Rams.

Huddle Up: Kolb has been sacked 17 times over the Cards' past two games, including 9 by the Rams in his last game out. The Arizona offense, however, does catch a break this week in facing the struggling Bills, who have allowed 45 or more points in 3 of their 5 games this season.

Posted: 10/5/2012 12:00am et

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb was 28-of-50 for 289 yards, but was sacked nine times as part of 11 QB hits. DE Robert Quinn was credited with three of the sacks.

Huddle Up: The Cardinals' offensive tackles were abused for the second straight game with the team surrendering a combined 17 sacks in the 2 contests. As a result, Kolb was unable to get the Cards into the end zone and fumbled on the team's final offensive play -- a sack by blitzing CB Cortland Finnegan.

Posted: 9/24/2012 4:54pm et

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said QB Kevin Kolb will continue to be the starting quarterback until QB John Skelton (ankle) is completely recovered from his ankle injury. Whisenhunt did not say what will happen when Skelton is able to play again.

Huddle Up: Kolb has been surprisingly effective since Skelton's injury gave him a lease on life. No reason to think he can't hang onto the job if he continues to win.

Posted: 9/17/2012 5:13pm et

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt is unsure if QB John Skelton (ankle) will be able to practice this week. Skelton has been 'walking around' but will need to do more before being cleared to play. Skelton is likely to have the starting job when he returns, even though QB Kevin Kolb has played well since taking over in Week 1.

Huddle Up: Kolb has led the team to two victories, but has been the death-knell to Larry Fitzgerald's stud status so far. One more week of Kolb may not be what Fitz' owners wanted to hear.

Posted: 9/13/2012 1:14pm et

The Arizona Cardinals plan to start QB Kevin Kolb in Week 2.

Huddle Up: No shocker here as some reports have Week 1 starter John Skelton missing up to a month of time with a sprained ankle. With Kolb, expect much the same from the Cardinals' offense, which means you're starting WR Larry Fitzgerald and casting a wary fantasy eye at everyone else.

Posted: 9/10/2012 11:51am et

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb came off the bench in the second half of Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks for an injured QB John Skelton. Kolb completed six of his eight passes for 66 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions to rally his team to a 20-16 victory. WR Larry Fitzgerald likes Kolb, at least in the no-huddle offense. "You see the defense, the guys get tired. They're trying to make personnel adjustments, and it really messes up the defense's flow. Kevin does a really good job of the up-tempo offense. He has a good understanding of coverages and where his 'hots' and 'sights' are," Fitzgerald said.

Huddle Up: Fitz knows to butter the bread that's in front of him, and after struggling to find Fitz last year Kolb went directly to his team's top target once he entered the game. With Skelton nursing a high ankle sprain Kolb should have an opportunity to re-stake a claim to the Arizona starting gig, and his willingness to lean on Fitzgerald is welcomed by fantasy owners.

Posted: 9/9/2012 8:30pm et

Arizona Cardinals QB John Skelton (knee) was carted off in the fourth quarter of the Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks due to an apparent right ankle injury. He was replaced by QB Kevin Kolb.

Huddle Up: Skelton was ineffective before the injury, completing 14-of-28 passes for 149 yards and an interception. Kolb, meanwhile, engineered what proved to be the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter, marching the Cards 80 yards in 11 plays, capping it with a 6-yard scoring toss to Andre Roberts. Kolb finished 6-of-8 for 66 yards.

Posted: 8/24/2012 3:51pm et

Updating a previous report, Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt indicated the fourth preseason game Thursday, Aug. 23, did not make a decision between QBs Kevin Kolb and John Skelton any easier. He said he will have to watch tape before evaluating the both performances.

Huddle Up: This is unfortunate considering Skelton was given the opportunity to start and disappointed. Skelton is the better quarterback for Larry Fitzgerald's production; it will be a shame if Kolb winds up starting after all. It looks like the Cardinals will have to use their final preseason game to make some decisions.

Posted: 8/23/2012 11:41pm et

Kevin Kolb completed 17-of-22 passes for 156 yards, a TD and two interceptions in THursday night's preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, while John Skelton was 4-of-10 for 41 yards and a pick.

Huddle Up: Neither QB was afforded much protection by the Cards' offensive line -- most notably second-year OLT D.J. Young -- and both threw ugly interceptions, but Kolb definitely wound up having the better night. After Skelton started and failed to get anything going before leaving with a 17-3 deficit, Kolb took over in the second quarter and wound up directing an 86-yard scoring drive in the 2-minute drill to give Arizona its first TD of the night. There's still no indication, though, as to when the Cards will name their Week 1 starter.

Posted: 8/14/2012 12:41pm et

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb is expected to start the next preseason game, but QB John Skelton now is the favorite to win the starting job.

Huddle Up: This would be a huge disappointment for the Cards, who a year ago surrendered DB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for Kolb. Skelton, a fifth-round pick out of Fordham in 2010, got the opportunity last season when Kolb missed 7 games due to injury, and the QB play actually showed improvement. Neither QB is fantasy-starter worthy, but whomever wins the starting gig will have some bench and bye-week value considering Arizona's weapons at receiver, headlined by Larry Fitzgerald.

Posted: 8/11/2012 10:40pm et

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said QB Kevin Kolb will work with the first-team offense during the preseason game Friday, Aug. 17.

Huddle Up: The battle for Arizona's starting QB position continues, and it will be Kolb starting this time after John Skelton got the call in Friday's game against the Chiefs. Kolb is a highly unimpressive 2-of-9 for 25 yards and an interception in two appearances so far, and suffice it to say, he and the Cards will be looking for bigger and better things this coming Friday at home against the Raiders.

Posted: 8/6/2012 12:28pm et

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said QB Kevin Kolb could return to practice this week after suffering a bruised chest in the Hall of Fame game Sunday, Aug. 5. "He has a bruise in his chest and that makes it kind of tough to rotate, move," Whisenhunt said. "I think he'll probably be practicing sometime this week."

Huddle Up: It always seems to be something with Kolb. The Cardinals want to hand him the starting job, but he seems to keep getting nicked. It also didn't help Kolb that he went 1-for-4 with an INT before his early exit. John Skelton went 4-for-6 for 32 yards after replacing the injured Kolb and remains in the mix for the starting job.

Posted: 8/5/2012 10:12pm et

Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback Kevin Kolb left Sunday night's Hall of Fame game in the first quarter with what was described as a rib contusion. Kolb was driven to the ground midway through the first quarter of the contest against the New Orleans Saints in Canton, Ohio. He did not return.

Huddle Up: Could the 2012 preseason start any worse for Kolb? The QB, who is in an open competition with John Skelton to start for Arizona, only was 1-for-4 for 4 yards and an interception before the injury, which occurred on the Cards' third possession of the game. How much this sets Kolb back is TBD, but this obviously gives Skelton a leg up for now.

Posted: 6/20/2012 11:39pm et

Arizona Cardinals QBs Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are in an open competition for the team's starting job.'Everyone has handled it well so far,' Kolb said. 'The biggest thing is you just concentrate on doing your job.'

Huddle Up: ESPN's John Clayton summed up this barn-burner of a competition nicely: 'Kolb is in better position to succeed now that he knows the offense. But he has to win the job, first. Skelton played well enough in fourth quarters and overtime to earn the team's trust.'